Pence at S. Baptist Convention: Warmbier's Family Gets Credit

DALLAS--The family of Otto Warmbier got some credit for what Vice-Pres. Mike Pence said was a successful meeting between the United States and North Korea, when Pence spoke at the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting in Texas, Wednesday.

Pence spoke about the accomplishments of Pres. Donald Trump in front of about 11,000 people who were there for the largest gathering of Southern Baptists, the country's largest protestant denomination.

"The success of this summit and the progress we've made is a direct result of Pres. Trump's steadfast leadership and the courage of one American family," said Pence. "Otto's loss was a tragedy that grieved the heart of this nation. But, the courage of his parents in the wake of that loss helped bring us to that milestone."

Warmbier, of Cincinnati, died after returning from North Korea. He was imprisoned and tortured there.

Though Warmbier was released and later died, Pence spoke about the release of three other Christians, thanks to the latest talks with North Korea.

Pence spent most of the time during his speech talking about Trump's leadership on different issues, including abortion and Planned Parenthood.

"Pres. Donald Trump is the most pro-life president in American history," said Pence. "One of his very first acts in office: our president reinstated the 'Mexico City policy', denying any federal aid dollars to organizations that promote or perform abortions around the world."

Pence also pointed out that the U.S., under Trump, withdrew from the United Nations Population Fund "in order to prevent our tax dollars from supporting forced sterilization or abortion overseas".

.@POTUS Trump is the most pro-life President in American history! And it was my honor as Vice President to cast the tie-breaking vote to allow states across America to defund Planned Parenthood. #SBC18pic.twitter.com/XOCjyuL1HN

"We empowered states to defund abortion providers and it was my honor, as vice-president, to cast the tie-breaking vote, to allow states across America to defund Planned Parenthood," said Pence.

Though Pence spoke on several topics, he refrained from addressing the delegates with his thought and views on the subject matter, and instead kept the monologue focused on Trump and his accomplishments.

He said Trump kept his word when the U.S. embassy was opened in Jerusalem.

.@POTUS kept his word to the American people and to our most cherished ally when we opened the United States Embassy in Jerusalem – the capital of the State of Israel! #SBC18pic.twitter.com/9KvNLg09ih

“I know, with your strong support in prayers, with Donald Trump in the White House and God’s help, we will make America safe again, we will make America prosperous again, and to borrow a phrase, we will make America great again."

Pence, like other Republicans who have spoken at the meeting, is an evangelical Christian.